Automatic switch.



'A. W. HOUCHIN.

AUTOMATIC SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 7, 1912.

J Patented Dec. 5, 1916.

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Moi/$18435 UNITED STATES PAT-EN OFFICE.

ALFRED W. HOUGI-IIN, OF GREENSBORO, MARYLAND, ASSIGNOR TO SHOGKLESS ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING CO., OF NEW JERSEY.

AUTOMATIC SWITCH.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 5, 1916.

To all whom 2'25 may concern:

Be it known that I, ALFRED W. HoUoHIN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Greensboro, county of Caroline, State of Maryland, have invented a' new and useful Automatic Switch, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in automatic switches or circuit closers.

The principal object of the invention is to provide an improved means for automatically closing the line circuit across the armature of a dynamo, or other electrical generator, after the magnetic flux in the field magnets thereof has reached a certain predetermined amount.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of this character which will be of comparatively simple, strong and durable construction, and one which will be eilicient and reliable in operation, and well adapted tothe purpose for which it is designed.

VViththese and numerous other objects in view, the invention consists of certain novel features of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts as will be hereinafter fully described and claimed.

In the drawings hereunto annexed, forming a part of the specification, Figure 1 represents a side elevation of a dynamo, illustrating the application thereto of an automatic switch constructed in accordance with this invention; and Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the same.

Referring more particularly to the drawings in which similar reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views, the numeral 1 represents the base of an ordinary form of dynamo, and 2 the field magnets fixed to said base 1 in the usual manner. These field magnets 2 comprise an upper pole-piece 3 and a lower pole-piece 4, said pole-pieces 3 and 4 being constructed preferably of soft iron or other suitable magnetic material, and having their rear ends connected by a soft iron core 5 around which is wound the field coil 6. The front ends of the pole-pieces 3 and 4 are cored out on their inner adjacent sides as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawii'igs, and are provided with the usual horns 7 and 8 respectively.

Revolubly mounted in suitable bearings 9 arranged at the opposite ends of the base 1,

. being connected to the terminals-of the field coil 6 by leads or conductors 17 and 18 respectively.

Supported in the plane above the dynamo by suitable upright legs or standards 19 is a horizontal rectangular supporting table or plate 20, the latter having fixed thereto on its outer side in any suitable manner a pair of spaced brackets 21. Pivotally mounted intermediate its ends to the brackets 21 is a double blade or double pole switch 22, the forward end of which is provided with a handle 23 by which the same may be thrown manually if desired, while the rear end of said switch is provided with a shank 24 having a counterweight 25 slidably mounted thereon, said counterweight being locked or retained in its adjusted positions by a set screw 26.

Fixed to the plate 20 in any suitable manner near the front edge thereof are spaced terminal bars 27, the latter being adapted to be engaged by the forward end of the switch 22 when the same is in its closed position. Secured to these bars 27 are the line wires 28 of the line circuit adapted to be energized by the dynamo.

Depending below and suspended from a rod 29, extending transversely between the blades of the switch 22 is a pendent armature 30 the latter extending and being movable through an opening 31 arranged in the plate 20. This armature 30 may be of any convenient construction, but it is preferably composed of a core 32 formed of a plurality of soft iron wires, and a casing 33 of insulation surrounding the same, the lower end of said casing 33 being open, as shown.

The upper pole piece 3 of the dynamo is provided with a projecting magnetic portion or anvil 34, which is preferably integral with the same. but which may be separate and attached thereto in any suitable manner. As shown more particularly in Fig. 1 of the drawings. the anvil 34 is arranged in vertical alinement with the aforesaid armature 30 for an obvious purpose.

Q3 memes The fulcrum of the switch 22 being arranged intermediate of the armature 30 and the counterweight 25, it is thus controlled in one direction by the magnetic flux of said anvil and in the opposite direction by the counterweight.

The brushes 12 and 13 of the dynamo are connected by leads or conductors 35 and 36 respectively to the brackets 21, whereby when the switch 22 is closed, electric energy will be supplied to the line wires 28 to be used in any manner desired.

The counterweight 25 being adjusted on the shank 24 at the desired position, and the dynamo started, the magnetic flux in the field magnets 2 will gradually build up until sufficient strength is produced therein to attract and draw the armature 30 downwardly, thereby overcoming the force of gravity exerted upon the counterweight 25. it may thus be seen that the line circuit across the brushes of the dynamo will-be closed and maintained closed as long as the magnetic flux in the field magnets 2 remains above or at a certain predetermined point depending upon the position of the counterweight. 7'

From the foregoingdescription, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, the construction and operation of the device will be readily understood without a more extended explanation As various changes in form, proportion, and inthe minor details of construction may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of this invention, 1 do not wish to be limited to the construction herein shown and described other than that set forth in the appended claims.

1 claim as my invention:

1. In a device of the character stated, a dynamo comprising an armature, field magnets and a magnetic anvil carried by one of said magnets, a switch pivotally supported and controlling the dynamo terminals, an armature depending from said switch and in vertical alinement with said anvil, and a counter-weight carried by said switch, the latter having its fulcrum located intermediate of said armature and counterweight, whereby said switch is automatically controlled in one direction by the magnetic flux and in the opposite direction by mid muutcnweight,

2. 111 a device of the character stated, a

supporting plate having an opening therein, a double pole switch pivotally mounted thereon, a counter-weight carried upon one end of said switch at one side of the pivotal support thereof, means for adjusting the position of said counter-weight with respect plate, and a field magnet having a portion thereof located in vertical alinement with said armature, whereby said switch is automatically controlled in one direction by the magnetic flux and in the opposite direction by said counter-weight.

8. In a device of the character stated, a dynamo comprising an armature, a pair of field magnets and a magnetic anvil carried by one of said magnets, a plate located above said anvil and having an opening therethrough, a switch controlling the dynamo terminals, said I switch being pivotally mounted on said plate, a counter-Weight mounted upon one end of said switch, and a pendant armature secured to said switch on the side of its pivotal support opposite to said counter-weight, said armature being suspended in said opening and being in alinement with said anvil, whereby said switch is automatically controlled in one direction by the magnetic flux, and in the opposite direction by said counter-weight.

4. In a device of the character stated, a supporting plate, terminal bars on said plate, brackets carried by said plate, a double pole switch pivotally supported on said brackets and controlling the dynamo terminals, a counter-weight on one end of said switch, a pendant armature supported from the other end of said switch, a dynamo located below saidplate and having an armature and field magnets, a portion of one of the latter being extended andin alinement with said armature, whereby said switch is automatically controlled in one direction by the magnetic flux and in the opposite direction by said counter-weight.

ALFRED W. HOUCHIN Witnesses:

E. H. Manor, GEORGE Knnnn'r'rn. 

